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75th Annual Themed Member Exhibition
Every Picture Tells a Story
The South Haven Center for the Arts’ Exhibition Committee invites members to share artwork for the 75th Annual Themed Member Exhibition.
The theme for the May 2024 exhibition is “Every Picture Tells a Story”. Artists were able to interpret this theme in any way, in any medium
The Typology of White
Dorris Akers
Photograph
Using the ages-old black and white combination, I produced a study of the likenesses and differences of seventeen objects.
Photograph
Using the ages-old black and white combination, I produced a study of the likenesses and differences of seventeen objects.
Treasures
Susan L. Anderson
Pastel
My husband and I were out bike riding one gorgeous August aJernoon. The wildflowers
were rampant, the air so fragrant, the sky a perfec=on saphire blue. As I surveyed the
fields burs=ng with wildflowers, I made a remark to my husband that inspired a poem.
"Honey", I said, "when I die, you don't need to spend an enormous sum on flowers for my
casket. Just go out and find all the wildflowers, and bring me the bouquet to hold."
Following the bike ride which culminated at our campsite, I immediately composed a
poem. This pain=ng, just recently completed, illustrates that poem, and is aptly named,
"Treasures."
Pastel
My husband and I were out bike riding one gorgeous August aJernoon. The wildflowers
were rampant, the air so fragrant, the sky a perfec=on saphire blue. As I surveyed the
fields burs=ng with wildflowers, I made a remark to my husband that inspired a poem.
"Honey", I said, "when I die, you don't need to spend an enormous sum on flowers for my
casket. Just go out and find all the wildflowers, and bring me the bouquet to hold."
Following the bike ride which culminated at our campsite, I immediately composed a
poem. This pain=ng, just recently completed, illustrates that poem, and is aptly named,
"Treasures."
Star of Stage and Screen
David Baker
Watercolor
The pain=ng is based, albeit, loosely, on "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile".
Watercolor
The pain=ng is based, albeit, loosely, on "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile".
The Haunted Barrel
David Baker
Oil on oak panel
The pain=ng is based on a passage from Huckleberry Finn, with a nod to Theodore
Gericault.
Oil on oak panel
The pain=ng is based on a passage from Huckleberry Finn, with a nod to Theodore
Gericault.
Big H Varia9on I and Varia9on II
Robert Battles
Paper and ink
I title my two pictures as "Big H" (Varia=ons I and II). I do this not because this =tle has
anything whatsoever to do with the pictures, but rather it is used as a device to point out
the curious coincidence that the le[er "H" is the first le[er of many of the horrors that
have beset us. It brings to mind: Herpes, Halitosis, Hyperacidity (a.k.a. Heart-burn),
Hemorrhoids, Hunchback, Hitler, Hemophilia, Hepa==s, Hematoma, Hysteria, Hysterectomy, Hormonal imbalance, Hernia, Hunger, Hot-flashes, hair-loss, hallucina=on, hang-nail, hot-foot, head-live, Hugger-Mugger, hum-bag, and Have a Nice Day! All followed by Hurt, Hospital, Hearse, Heaven, or Hell!
While I wish that none of the above is ever visited upon any person of good heart, I do tender this reminder of our mortality in the spirit of fair warning. However, I must conclude by reminding you that while "Big H" is always with us, it can also be construed as
Harmony, Humanity and (Ho-hum) all the rest of it.
Paper and ink
I title my two pictures as "Big H" (Varia=ons I and II). I do this not because this =tle has
anything whatsoever to do with the pictures, but rather it is used as a device to point out
the curious coincidence that the le[er "H" is the first le[er of many of the horrors that
have beset us. It brings to mind: Herpes, Halitosis, Hyperacidity (a.k.a. Heart-burn),
Hemorrhoids, Hunchback, Hitler, Hemophilia, Hepa==s, Hematoma, Hysteria, Hysterectomy, Hormonal imbalance, Hernia, Hunger, Hot-flashes, hair-loss, hallucina=on, hang-nail, hot-foot, head-live, Hugger-Mugger, hum-bag, and Have a Nice Day! All followed by Hurt, Hospital, Hearse, Heaven, or Hell!
While I wish that none of the above is ever visited upon any person of good heart, I do tender this reminder of our mortality in the spirit of fair warning. However, I must conclude by reminding you that while "Big H" is always with us, it can also be construed as
Harmony, Humanity and (Ho-hum) all the rest of it.
Yearbook: 2020
Joan Bonnette
Mixed Media
Each page commemorates a day...
Mixed Media
Each page commemorates a day...
Tumble of Thoughts
Joan Bonnette
Ink and colored pencil
The story of thoughts ruling the days til we sort them out.
Ink and colored pencil
The story of thoughts ruling the days til we sort them out.
Good Saint Anne
Alisa Clark
Assemblage/Found Objects
For the member’s call, “Every Picture Tells a Story,” I completed a series of five works within five picture frames. I removed the original 2D images from the frames and started creating using the frames as the inspiration to start new, diverse narratives quite different from the original story being told within them. I didn’t work only within the frames, however. I also moved beyond the frames to tell a larger story- expanding beyond the limitations of their borders and reaching into the spaces beyond them. Frames that originally held 2D works became vessels for 3D reliefs: a place to freely combine 2D and 3D elements. Selecting two pieces from the series was a challenge as I discovered that each piece had adopted a personality and a voice: each had a unique story to tell. After much deliberation, I chose “Good Saint Ann” and “Number 3” for this exhibit because I felt that these two works were in conversation: there was a unity and a connection between them. This connection was enhanced with the inclusion of assemblage elements echoing times past: invitations for the viewer to remember, reminisce, and retell their stories.
Assemblage/Found Objects
For the member’s call, “Every Picture Tells a Story,” I completed a series of five works within five picture frames. I removed the original 2D images from the frames and started creating using the frames as the inspiration to start new, diverse narratives quite different from the original story being told within them. I didn’t work only within the frames, however. I also moved beyond the frames to tell a larger story- expanding beyond the limitations of their borders and reaching into the spaces beyond them. Frames that originally held 2D works became vessels for 3D reliefs: a place to freely combine 2D and 3D elements. Selecting two pieces from the series was a challenge as I discovered that each piece had adopted a personality and a voice: each had a unique story to tell. After much deliberation, I chose “Good Saint Ann” and “Number 3” for this exhibit because I felt that these two works were in conversation: there was a unity and a connection between them. This connection was enhanced with the inclusion of assemblage elements echoing times past: invitations for the viewer to remember, reminisce, and retell their stories.
Number 3
Alisa Clark
Assemblage/Found Objects
For the member’s call, “Every Picture Tells a Story,” I completed a series of five works within five picture frames. I removed the original 2D images from the frames and started creating using the frames as the inspiration to start new, diverse narratives quite different from the original story being told within them. I didn’t work only within the frames, however. I also moved beyond the frames to tell a larger story- expanding beyond the limitations of their borders and reaching into the spaces beyond them. Frames that originally held 2D works became vessels for 3D reliefs: a place to freely combine 2D and 3D elements. Selecting two pieces from the series was a challenge as I discovered that each piece had adopted a personality and a voice: each had a unique story to tell. After much deliberation, I chose “Good Saint Ann” and “Number 3” for this exhibit because I felt that these two works were in conversation: there was a unity and a connection between them. This connection was enhanced with the inclusion of assemblage elements echoing times past: invitations for the viewer to remember, reminisce, and retell their stories.
Assemblage/Found Objects
For the member’s call, “Every Picture Tells a Story,” I completed a series of five works within five picture frames. I removed the original 2D images from the frames and started creating using the frames as the inspiration to start new, diverse narratives quite different from the original story being told within them. I didn’t work only within the frames, however. I also moved beyond the frames to tell a larger story- expanding beyond the limitations of their borders and reaching into the spaces beyond them. Frames that originally held 2D works became vessels for 3D reliefs: a place to freely combine 2D and 3D elements. Selecting two pieces from the series was a challenge as I discovered that each piece had adopted a personality and a voice: each had a unique story to tell. After much deliberation, I chose “Good Saint Ann” and “Number 3” for this exhibit because I felt that these two works were in conversation: there was a unity and a connection between them. This connection was enhanced with the inclusion of assemblage elements echoing times past: invitations for the viewer to remember, reminisce, and retell their stories.
Heritage
Mercedes Ebbers
Acrylic on Wood Panel
My daughter and have been on many vacations looking for our American heritage. On one of these trips we found this wonderful old barn along the Ohio river in the little town of Ghent. In this town, around 1860, my great grandfather raised his family and worked as a builder. This barn was used as a place to receive shipments of supplies and store milled wood. In my mind I can image my Great Grandfather filling his wagon with lumber. Finding this little piece of history brings me one step closer to my heritage.
Acrylic on Wood Panel
My daughter and have been on many vacations looking for our American heritage. On one of these trips we found this wonderful old barn along the Ohio river in the little town of Ghent. In this town, around 1860, my great grandfather raised his family and worked as a builder. This barn was used as a place to receive shipments of supplies and store milled wood. In my mind I can image my Great Grandfather filling his wagon with lumber. Finding this little piece of history brings me one step closer to my heritage.
End of the Line
Mercedes Ebbers
Acrylic on Wood Panel
Steeped in American history the beautiful old town of Natchez is nestled along the shores of the Mississippi river. In times past this town was the end of the line for flatboats carrying cargo from the north.
To get to the heart of the old town we descended a steep winding grade to the wharf below. We felt we had been transported into a time long past. This area still carries a flavor of mystery and foreboding within its picturesque boundaries. The presence of the ever-changing Mississippi river adds to this feeling.
Acrylic on Wood Panel
Steeped in American history the beautiful old town of Natchez is nestled along the shores of the Mississippi river. In times past this town was the end of the line for flatboats carrying cargo from the north.
To get to the heart of the old town we descended a steep winding grade to the wharf below. We felt we had been transported into a time long past. This area still carries a flavor of mystery and foreboding within its picturesque boundaries. The presence of the ever-changing Mississippi river adds to this feeling.
A Serpents Envy
Samuel Gillis
Paint Markers on Canvas
The Selfie Series is one of hundreds works of art in various mediums, styles and techniques. The sefies show how the artist perceives and projects constant emotional termoil in everyday life and finds calming peace through art.
Paint Markers on Canvas
The Selfie Series is one of hundreds works of art in various mediums, styles and techniques. The sefies show how the artist perceives and projects constant emotional termoil in everyday life and finds calming peace through art.
A Lost Muses Story
Samuel Gillis
Mix Medium on Canvas
This particular work of art is a collaboration between two creative artists, one a painter and one a writer. This is very personal and is the start of an extensive collaboration between two souls. The Painter Samuel GIllis and the Writer Glendy X. Mattalia Gillis and artist. Our story is very loving and tragic. Glendy was and is loved by many. Glendy, my wife who is a very talented writer who wrote for the tribune, worked for Oprah and a Special Projects producer at ABC News to name a few and me the artist of many faces. We came together with a dream of Gallery Swarm in Chicago in a 6000 square foot building on Clark Street. Our gallery crossed borders, boundaries and creatives. Nurtured a family of artists, collectors and art lovers alike. We welcomed artists of all walks of life and creative development into the Swarm. We nurtured and supplied art materials and fed all artists, collectors and those with an appreciation of the arts. We made Gallery Swarm in a Happening where our events and post gathering would be known by many. We ate, drank, talked shop and played games. We were big into games. We gave those creatives in various media a place to let go and be accepted, ultimately helping them grow as artists and we made many friends along the way. This turns tragic when Cancer is undiagnosed for years and little hope. My wife fought a battle she could not win. It took many years to figure a way to honor her life. I am far from a writer and could not do justice to what she wrote and accomplished. So I had the idea to inner twine her writing and my art for one continuing series for love of the arts and her writing to keep her memory from fading. Hopefully this will do her some creative justice and share her story and mine with others.
In loving memory of my wife
Mix Medium on Canvas
This particular work of art is a collaboration between two creative artists, one a painter and one a writer. This is very personal and is the start of an extensive collaboration between two souls. The Painter Samuel GIllis and the Writer Glendy X. Mattalia Gillis and artist. Our story is very loving and tragic. Glendy was and is loved by many. Glendy, my wife who is a very talented writer who wrote for the tribune, worked for Oprah and a Special Projects producer at ABC News to name a few and me the artist of many faces. We came together with a dream of Gallery Swarm in Chicago in a 6000 square foot building on Clark Street. Our gallery crossed borders, boundaries and creatives. Nurtured a family of artists, collectors and art lovers alike. We welcomed artists of all walks of life and creative development into the Swarm. We nurtured and supplied art materials and fed all artists, collectors and those with an appreciation of the arts. We made Gallery Swarm in a Happening where our events and post gathering would be known by many. We ate, drank, talked shop and played games. We were big into games. We gave those creatives in various media a place to let go and be accepted, ultimately helping them grow as artists and we made many friends along the way. This turns tragic when Cancer is undiagnosed for years and little hope. My wife fought a battle she could not win. It took many years to figure a way to honor her life. I am far from a writer and could not do justice to what she wrote and accomplished. So I had the idea to inner twine her writing and my art for one continuing series for love of the arts and her writing to keep her memory from fading. Hopefully this will do her some creative justice and share her story and mine with others.
In loving memory of my wife
African Wild Life
Len Gryga
Paint on wood
Paint on wood
Hot Rod Fun
Len Gryga
Paint, wood, lighted
Paint, wood, lighted
Twin Oaks Drive
Bobbi Gumino
Acrylic on Canvas
When I was a young girl, every year on Memorial Day my mother and I would cut the Peonies and take them to my Grandmother’s grave. Happiness and sadness - memories for May. I have always planted peonies in my yard since.
Acrylic on Canvas
When I was a young girl, every year on Memorial Day my mother and I would cut the Peonies and take them to my Grandmother’s grave. Happiness and sadness - memories for May. I have always planted peonies in my yard since.
Pink Champagne
Bobbi Gumino
Acrylic on Canvas
When I was a young girl, every year on Memorial Day my mother and I would cut the peonies and take them to my Grandmother’s grave. Happiness and sadness - memories for May. I have always planted peonies in my yard since.
Acrylic on Canvas
When I was a young girl, every year on Memorial Day my mother and I would cut the peonies and take them to my Grandmother’s grave. Happiness and sadness - memories for May. I have always planted peonies in my yard since.
Roll On
Ann Habicht
Ink
Every picture tells a story
Ink
Every picture tells a story
Sampler
Ann Habicht
Ink
Every picture tells a story.
Ink
Every picture tells a story.
Extinct
Jeff & Theresa Heaton
Mixed Media
"Extinct" relates to our feelings of both excitement and concern for the beautiful birds that bring color and song into our world. Birds are disappearing from their environments at alarming speed due to human greed and lack of understanding for their value. We should remember that We All Live Downstream and need to tell this story to our children and grandchildren.
Mixed Media
"Extinct" relates to our feelings of both excitement and concern for the beautiful birds that bring color and song into our world. Birds are disappearing from their environments at alarming speed due to human greed and lack of understanding for their value. We should remember that We All Live Downstream and need to tell this story to our children and grandchildren.
Dana's Roots
Angelique Howell
acrylic and resin
Dana Getman embodied a heart of pure gold, a steadfast and towering oak tree of love and strength. His spirit profoundly touched countless souls, leaving an enduring mark on those he encountered, radiating hope and inspiration. With a wisdom that was both humbling and awe-inspiring, he was a shining beacon of courage and resilience. His unwavering love and insight continue to reverberate within us, a testament to his transformative impact on our lives. He will forever hold a cherished presence in our hearts and memories, a source of inspiration and solace in times of need. Until we meet again my dear friend.
acrylic and resin
Dana Getman embodied a heart of pure gold, a steadfast and towering oak tree of love and strength. His spirit profoundly touched countless souls, leaving an enduring mark on those he encountered, radiating hope and inspiration. With a wisdom that was both humbling and awe-inspiring, he was a shining beacon of courage and resilience. His unwavering love and insight continue to reverberate within us, a testament to his transformative impact on our lives. He will forever hold a cherished presence in our hearts and memories, a source of inspiration and solace in times of need. Until we meet again my dear friend.
Walk On a Driftwood Beach
Carolyn Jeffers
Acrylics
The driftwood trees are remnants of hurricanes past.
Acrylics
The driftwood trees are remnants of hurricanes past.
Pupper Love
Carolyn Jeffers
Acrylics
True relaxation with you fur baby.
Acrylics
True relaxation with you fur baby.
In Remembrance....
Katrina Jones
Watercolor on YUPO
A breathtaking, 4 acre, field of poppies is a living tribute to a young man, son of Joan Donaldson and John VanVoorhees. Mateo Donaldson took his own life upon returning from a tour in Afghanistan and suffering from PTSD. This field is in Fennville next to the cemetery where Mateo is buried.
Watercolor on YUPO
A breathtaking, 4 acre, field of poppies is a living tribute to a young man, son of Joan Donaldson and John VanVoorhees. Mateo Donaldson took his own life upon returning from a tour in Afghanistan and suffering from PTSD. This field is in Fennville next to the cemetery where Mateo is buried.
Hello Sun In My Face.....excerpt from "Why I Wake Up Early" by Mary Oliver
Katrina Jones
Watercolor on wood panel
Hello sun in my face.
Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields...
Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness and kindness.
Watercolor on wood panel
Hello sun in my face.
Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields...
Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness and kindness.
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